Cutting blade with an impact load prevention layer

ABSTRACT

A saw blade is provided which includes an inner collar separated from an outer collar with a resilient isolated layer. The inner collar fastens to the arbor shaft of a driving motor, while the outer collar is welded to the rim containing hardened particles, such as diamond bits. The inner and outer collars form inner and outer collar flanges which receive the resilient isolating material therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, the inner and outer collars are separated from one another with a plurality of plugs formed of resilient isolating material. The plurality of plugs are formed in a circular pattern about the arbor shaft and are spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, a vibration dampening coupler is fastened to the arbor shaft and formed separate from the cutting blade. The isolating resilient layer may be formed as a solid layer, as a plurality of O-rings, or with a void therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a saw blade having a rimembedded with hard particles for cutting hard materials, such asconcrete, masonry, tile, granite and the like. More specifically, theinvention relates to a cutting blade that includes an impact loadprevention layer therein.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the past, circular saw blades for cutting soft materials, such aswood, having teeth about the perimeter have been proposed which includedampening means (such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,563,559, 4,232,580, and4,240,315). These conventional saw blades adjust the natural resonancefrequency of the blade to dampen blade vibration. Towards this end, the'599 patent fills radial slots within the blades steel core with a softmetal and a reinforcing rib. The '315 patent divides the blade intosectors via slots extending from the outer periphery of the bladetowards the hub. Each slot is a different length to provide adjoiningsectors with different natural frequencies. The '260 patent forms a sawblade with two circular annular chambers along opposite sides thereof.Each chamber includes a dampening layer made of a resin adhesive whichis highly elastic.

However, these blades were ineffective for cutting extremely hardmaterials, such as concrete, masonry, tile, granite and the like. Hence,alternatively blades were proposed with extremely hard abrasive outerrims mounted upon a steel core to cut these materials. The outer rimincludes particles, such as diamond particles, tungsten carbide,polycrystalline diamonds, and the like, mixed within a bonding agent.The mixture is molded to form a hardened outer rim. The hard particlesextend outward about the perimeter of the blade and, during cutting,these particles cause the blade to shake and quiver in a radialdirection, thereby causing the blade to bounce against the surface beingcut. This radially directed reverberation is commonly referred to as"chatter." Chatter increases the noise level produced during the cuttingoperation. Additionally, saw blades formed with hardened outer rims aretypically powered with combustion engines, such as gasoline-poweredengines. The combustion engines produce additional vibrations which aretransmitted along the drive shaft to the saw blade, therebyprecipitating chatter.

When the blade radially bounces against the surface to be cut, thehardened particles projecting from the outer rim experience largeinstantaneous impact loads. These hard materials are typically,extremely brittle. Consequently, the out most portion of each hardparticle tends to shear off during impact loads. Thus, these types ofsaw blades tend to wear quickly, unless the outer rim of the saw bladeis maintained in constant contact with the surface to be cut (i.e., aconstant cutting mode).

However, heretofore no satisfactory method has been proposed foreliminating impact loading within a saw blade containing an outer rimembedded with hard particles. Nor do conventional saw bladessatisfactorily reduce the noise level. Moveover, conventional systemstypically utilize a steel core since steel is easily bonded to the outerrim. However, steel exhibits limited heat dissipating characteristics.The saw blade size dictates its ability to dissipate heat without thisheat being transmitted to the arbor shaft. Typically, a proportionalrelationship exists between the size of the saw blade and the horsepowerof an engine which is usable therewith.

In a somewhat corollary field, grinding drums have been proposed forminimizing vibration (such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,549,372 and5,083,839).

The system of the '839 patent, as proposed by a co-inventor of thesubject invention, is directed to a grinding drum for grooving orgrinding pavement. The drum of the '839 patent comprises an innercylindrical core having a plurality of sleeves disposed thereon. Theinner core is surrounded by an intermediate cylindrical sleeve whichabsorbs shocks, jars, and harmonic vibrations imparted to the rotarydrum during use. The intermediate sleeve is surrounded by an outersleeve which serves as the mounting surface for grooving segments. Theinner core is formed of metal, the intermediate sleeve is formed of animpact resistant material, and the outer sleeve is formed of steel. Aplurality of grooving segments are disposed about the outer sleeve, eachgrooving segment comprising a plurality of grooving surfaces disposed inparallel rows. The grooving drum of the '839 patent forms groovesapproximately 1/8" wide and 3/16" deep, with a lateral distance ofapproximately 3/4" between each groove.

The system of the '372 patent discloses a grinding drum with a hubmounted on an abrasive rim. The rim is resiliently depressible radiallyinward toward the hub during a grinding operation. In one embodiment,the hub is surrounded by a resilient ring, formed of rubber orhoneycombed metal. The resilient ring is surrounded by a thin flexiblealuminum hoop. When the rim is depressed it loses its circular shape.

A cutting wheel has been proposed (U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,530) for a miningmachine which includes an easily replaceable cutter bearing rim. The'530 patent includes a cutting wheel having an integral shaft and coreflange. The core flange projects outward and forms an inner rim elementimmediately adjacent an outer rim element. A solid resilient substanceis formed between the inner and outer rim elements to cushion or absorba portion of the cutting strain, such as when the cutting bit encountersmaterial within a coal vein which is harder than the coal being cut bythe tool.

However, it has been impossible to implement the vibration dampeningtechniques of the '839 patent, '372 patent and '530 patent with acutting wheel having hardened particles embedded in-an outer rimthereof. Cutting wheels of this type experience forces uncharacteristicof grinding wheels and mining tools. Further, cutting wheels of thistype carry design restraints which need not be addressed with grindingwheels and mining tools.

For instance, in the systems of the '839 and '372 patents, the vibrationdampening layer is formed with a width equal tot or greater than, thatof the grinding surface. This is necessary to provide sufficient supportfor the grinding surface and to withstand the opposed forces exerted bythe core and the grinding surface. However, a cutting surface of diamondembedded cutting wheel is formed with a substantially lesser width.Thus, a resilient pad equal in width to a diamond embedded cuttingsurface would be unable to support the cutting rim, nor could itwithstand the circumferential and lateral forces between the drive shaftand the cutting rim.

Also, the vibration dampening layers of the '839, '372 and '530 patentsare positioned immediately adjacent the grinding surface. However, thesedampening layers would create complications within a cutting wheel sincethe dampening layer would necessarily pass through the cut. Thus, whencutting hard materials such as concrete and masonry, the width of thedampening layer must be smaller than the width of the cut. The systemsfor grinding wheels are not limited by a similar design restrictionsince the body of the grinding wheel never passes through a cut withinthe surface being ground. The vibration dampening layers of theseconventional systems are not designed to withstand the lateral pryingforces experienced by a diamond embedded cutting wheel. Throughout agrinding operation, grinding wheels rest against the outer surface ofthe material being machined. Hence, the grinding surface does not overlyresist prying forces applied by the user to turn the tool. Nor do thesides of the grinding wheel experience significant contact and lateralforces from the cutting surface.

Further, the dampening layer of the '372 patent is formed to allow thegrinding surface to distort to an oval, or non-circular, shape during agrinding operation. However, if a cutting wheel were so deformed, itwould not cut properly. Moreover, the systems of the '839 and '372patents need not be as concerned with impact loading since grindersoffer a much larger working surface area, over which the impact load isdistributed. Grinders do not focus the energy of the grinder along asingle narrow path. Divergently, cutting wheels offer a very smallcutting area in which the cutting energy is focused. Thus, impact loadsare quite focused within this area.

Finally, a grinding drum is much larger than a cutting wheel, and thus agrinding drum is more capable of dissipating heat. Accordingly,designers of grinding drums need not be as critical of the heatdissipating characteristics of the end design.

The need remains in the present field for an improved blade design toaddress the problems and drawbacks heretofore experienced. The primaryobjective of this invention is to meet this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a saw blade for cuttinghard materials which includes an impact load preventing layer.

Another object of the present invention to reduce the wear upon hardenedmaterials, such as diamond bits, formed about the perimeter of a sawblade by eliminating impact loads upon the diamonds and maintainingcontact between the diamond surface and the material to be cut at alltimes.

It is another object of the present invention to balance the blade byinjecting a liquid into a void formed within a resilient layer formedabout the core and separating the core from the outer rim.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a resilientmaterial between the core and outer rim, the resiliency of which isvariable.

It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the noise,weight, and cost of the saw blade.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a saw bladewhich dissipates heat more quickly by utilizing a heat dissipating coreand isolation layer.

Other and further objects of the invention, together with the featuresof novelty pertinent thereto, will appear in the detailed descriptionset forth below.

In summary, a saw blade is provided which includes an inner collarseparated from an outer collar with a resilient isolated layer. Theinner collar fastens to the arbor shaft of a driving motor, while theouter collar is welded to the rim containing hardened particles, such asdiamond bits. The inner and outer collars form inner and outer collarflanges which receive the resilient isolating material therebetween. Inan alternative embodiment, the inner and outer collars are separatedfrom one another with a plurality of plugs formed of resilient isolatingmaterial. The plurality of plugs are formed in a circular pattern aboutthe arbor shaft and are spaced apart from one another. In anotherembodiment, a vibration dampening coupler is fastened to the arbor shaftand formed separate from the cutting blade. The isolating resilientlayer may be formed as a solid layer, as a plurality of O-rings, or witha void therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained inmore detail with reference to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a cutting blade according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the cutting blade of FIG. 1 takenalong line 2--2;

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent cutting blade with a plurality of resilient isolator plugsdisposed between core and outer collars of the blade;

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A takenalong line 3B--3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment in whichtwo isolation layers are formed with a void therebetween for holdingpressurized gas or liquid;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment in which anouter collar is press fitted onto an inner core;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment in which aplurality of O-rings are utilized as the resilient isolating layer andin which the O-rings and a separate outer collar are retained upon theinner collar with threaded keepers;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment in whichthe isolating layer is formed with a Z-shaped cross section;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment in whichthe isolating layer is formed with a S-shaped cross section;

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment with avibration dampening coupler formed separate from the saw blade;

FIGS. 10A-10C are side sectional views of alternative embodiments;

FIG. 11 is an end view of an alternative embodiment; FIG. 12 is a sidesectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 along line 12--12 of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an end sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 along line14--14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are side sectional views of alternative embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the instant invention is generally designated bythe reference numeral 1. The saw blade 1 includes a core having acircular inner collar 2 which may be formed of a highly heat dissipativematerial, such as aluminum. The inner collar 2 includes a hole in thecenter thereof which receives an arbor shaft 10 of the saw blade drivingassembly, such as an electric or gasoline powered motor. The innercollar 2 includes a locking hole 4 positioned radially outward from thecenter of the inner collar 2. The locking hole 4 receives a pin 6 (FIG.2) which is integrally formed with a flange 8 which projects radiallyoutward from the arbor shaft 10. The inner collar 2 includes an innercollar flange 12 formed about its perimeter and projecting outward inopposite directions parallel to a longitudinal axis about which theblade rotates. The inner collar flange 12 is surrounded by an isolationlayer 14 (FIG. 2). The isolation layer 14 is formed of a resilientmaterial, such as neoprene, propylene, plastic, and the like, which alsoexhibits strong heat dissipating characteristics. The isolating layer 14may be vulcanized and bonded to the inner collar flange 12. In the firstembodiment, the isolation layer 14 is formed as an integral layer.

The inner collar 2 and isolation layer 14 are received within an outercollar flange 16 formed upon an inner circumferential surface of anouter collar 18. The inner and outer collars 2 and 18 are alignedconcentrically with one another. The outer collar 18 is formed in adisk-shape with its internal perimeter formed integral with the outercollar flange 16. The external perimeter receives, and is securelywelded to, the outer rim 20. The outer rim 20 includes hardenedparticles, such as diamond particles, tungsten particles, and the likewhich are embedded within a bonding agent. The outer rim 20 could beformed of separate segments.

The outer collar 18 includes heat sinks 24 shaped as elongated,arcuately shaped voids about the inner periphery of the outer collar 18proximate the outer collar flange 16. The heat sinks 24 function to drawheat away from the outer rim 20 and dissipate this heat before it istransmitted to the arbor shaft 10. Optionally, the heat sinks 24 may beomitted depending upon the particular application intended for thecutting blade. The isolation layer 14 also draws heat away from theouter rim 20 and prevents it from being transmitted to the arbor shaft10. The outer collar 18 is formed of steel or a similar high strengthmaterial which is easily laser welded to the rim 20, while the innercollar 2 may be formed of a heat dissipating material, such as aluminum.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner and outer collars 2 and 18 areformed with a thickness T_(c) which is less than a thickness T_(r) ofthe outer rim 20. The thickness T_(c) of the outer collar 18 is thinenough to pass easily through a cut, produced by the outer rim 20,without rubbing against the sides of the cut. The thickness T_(c) of theinner collar 2 is substantially equal to that of the outer collar 18.The outer collar 18 is formed with a height H_(outer) such that thedistance between the outer rim 20 and the base of the outer collarflange 16 is at least equal to the deepest cut to be effected by the sawblade. The inner collar 2 is formed with a height H_(inner) between thebase of the inner collar flange 12 and the arbor shaft 10. The inner andouter collar flanges 12 and 16 are formed with substantially the samedimensions. The flanges 12 and 16 extend outward from the collars 2 and18, respectively, along a direction parallel to the rotational axis ofthe arbor shaft 10 to support the outer rim 20. The isolation layer 14is received between the inner and outer collar flanges 12 and 16 toabsorb vibration forces, prevent load impacts and to dissipate heat.

As shown in FIG. 2, the isolation layer 14 and the inner and outercollar flanges 12 and 16 are formed with substantially the same widthW_(f). The width W_(f) is predetermined to provide a desired interfacingsurface area between, and support for, the isolation layer 14 and theinner and outer collars 12 and 16. The area of the interfacing surfaceis primarily governed by the forces experiences upon the isolation layer14. The forces experienced by the isolation layer 14 occur in a varietyof directions, including along lines L_(f) and R_(f). These forces areinitiated at the outer rim 20 and transferred along the outer collar 18and outer collar flange 16, to be absorbed by the isolation layer 14.Additionally, the isolation layer 14 experiences circumferential forcesalong lines C_(T) and P_(T) (FIG. 1). Consequently, the isolation layer14 must be formed of a material having the necessary resiliency, andwith a width W_(f), sufficient to absorb these forces and to support theouter rim 20 during a cutting operation. The forces exerted upon the sawblade are explained in more detail below, in connection with a cuttingoperation.

During a cutting operation, a region S_(cut) (FIG. 1) of the saw bladeis maintained in contact with the surface to be cut. Within this region,diamond particles projecting from the perimeter of the outer rim 20contact and cut the material, for instance concrete. When the diamondparticles encounter the concrete, the outer rim 20 experiencesinstantaneous radial forces along line R_(f) (FIG. 2). The radial forcesR_(f) cause the isolation layer to be compressed or deflected, therebyabsorbing the radial force and preventing its transfer to the innercollar 2 and the arbor shaft 10. By absorbing these radial forces, theisolation layer 14 prevents reverberation or bouncing of the saw blade,and thus prevents impact loads between the cut surface and the outer rim20.

In addition, when the outer rim 20 is within a cut, the side surfaces 21contact the sides of the cut and often come in contact with stonesprojecting from the side of the cut. These stones induce lateral forces(along line L_(f)) upon the outer rim 20. Similarly, lateral forcesL_(f) may be experienced when the user attempts to turn or pry the sawto one side within the cut. The lateral forces L_(f) are transferredalong the inner and outer collars 2 and 18, and through the isolationlayer 14. Hence, the isolation layer 14 must have sufficient width W_(f)to resist such forces and maintain the outer collar 18 in a desiredradial alignment with the inner collar 2. When the lateral forces L_(f)are experienced, the length H_(outer) of the outer collar 18 functionsas a lever arm when transferring this force to the inner collar 2. Thus,as the height H_(outer) increases, the width W_(f) of the isolationlayer 14 must be increased to increase the interfacing surface andmaintain proper lateral support.

Further, as the height H_(inner) of the inner collar decreases, theoverall surface area of the isolation layer 14 decreases. The heightsH_(inner) and H_(outer) of the inner and outer collars 2 and 18 may bevaried. However, as the height H_(inner) of the inner collar isdecreased, the resiliency of the isolation layer 14 must be adjusted toensure that the isolation layer 14 is able to absorb adequately theradial forces R_(f). To maintain a desired amount of resiliency, thewidth W_(f) or the stiffness of the isolation layer may be changed.

Also, as the saw blade is rotated in a clockwise direction, the outercollar 18 experiences a cutting torque resistance C_(T) in acircumferential direction (see FIG. 1). The inner collar 2 experiencesan equal, but opposite, power torque P_(T). Thus, the isolation layer 14will experience a shearing force about its perimeter. The isolationlayer 14 must be constructed with sufficient surface area to withstandthis shearing force.

In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 4), the isolation layer 21 may beformed from two or more separate sections 23 and 25 having void(s) 22therebetween. The void 22 may be filled with a gas, such as oxygen, or aliquid, such as oil. The pressure of the gas or liquid may be varied inorder to adjust the resiliency of the isolation layer 14. By adjustingthe resiliency of the isolation layer 14, the impact load preventioncharacteristic thereof is changed. It is desirable to change thischaracteristic in accordance with the hardness of the material to becut. When pressurized gas or liquid are used within the void 22, the gasor liquid functions as an isolation layer. Hence, the region of theinner and outer collar flanges 12 and 16 meeting the void 22 constitutepart of the interfacing surface, when compensating for the radial andlateral forces R_(f) and L_(f). However, the void 22 does not offershearing resistance. Therefore, the solid isolation layer 14 must beformed to withstand the cutting torque forces C_(T) and P_(T).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an alternative embodiment in which inner andouter collars 31 and 33, respectively, are formed concentric with oneanother. The inner and outer collars include inner and outer collarflanges 39 and 41, respectively, located on adjoining edges of eachcollar. An inner diameter of the outer collar flange 41 is formedslightly larger than an outer diameter of the inner collar flange 39such that the inner collar 31 is loosely received within the outercollar 33 to form a circular air gap 32 therebetween. A plurality ofhalf-moon shaped recesses 35 and 37 are formed about the adjoiningperipheries of the inner and outer collar flanges 39 and 41. Therecesses 35 and 37 align to form circular holes through the saw blade.Each hole receives an isolation plug 30. The recesses 35 and 37, andcorresponding isolation plugs 30 are positioned evenly about thecircular air gap 32 between the inner and outer collars flanges 39 and41. Each isolation plug 30 is constructed of a resilient material formedin a tubular shape with a hollowed out core.

The core of each plug 30 receives a substantially harder core insert 34,such as a metal or hard plastic insert, which is also tubular in shape.As in the first embodiment, the isolation plugs 30 are formed with awidth W_(f) that is greater than the thickness Tr of the outer rim 20.The inner and outer collar flanges 39 and 41, respectively, extendoutward in opposite directions away from the corresponding collar. Whilethe flanges 39 and 41 extend about the circumference of the inner collar31, optionally, the flanges 39 and 41 may be formed as separate discretemembers located immediately adjacent each recess 35 and 37. Theisolation plugs 30 and the inner and outer collar flanges 39 and 41resist the radial, lateral, and circumferential forces L_(f), R_(f),C_(T) and P_(T) in the same manner as discussed above. The isolationplugs 30 and inserts 34 also serve as heat sinks and allow the blade tobe balanced by varying the material used therein. The stiffness of theisolation plugs 30 may also be varied by changing the width of the plugs30 and by changing the material used therein. To replace a plug 30, theuser removes the insert 34, collapses the plug 30 upon its core andpulls the plug 30 from the blade. To insert a new plug 30, the userinserts a collapsed plug 30, allows it to expand and introduces theinsert 34 into the hollowed core. Optionally, the plugs could be formedas a solid insert.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which an inner collar 62 isintegrally formed with an inner collar flange 64 in substantially thesame manner as in the first embodiment. An isolation layer 66 is formedabout the perimeter of the inner collar flange 64. An outer collarflange 68 is formed with a L-shaped cross-section, a back side thereofproviding the interfacing surface with the isolation layer 66. The innerand outer collar flanges 64 and 68, and the isolation layer 66 areformed with the same width W_(f), for reasons explained above inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the isolation layer 66 may be injection moldedbetween the inner and outer collar flanges 64 and 68. The outer collar70 and rim 72 are secured on the outer collar flange 68 with a keeper 73which is threadably secured to the outer collar flange 68. Optionally,the isolation layer 66 may be formed from two or more layers ofresilient material separated by one or more voids (as in FIG. 4) or as aseries of O-rings (as in FIG. 6) or preformed, press fit, extruded inany desired shape.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment is illustrated in which aisolation layer 74 and the outer collar 76 are easily removed from theinner collar 78. More specifically, the inner collar 78 includes anL-shaped inner collar flange 80 having an upper portion 82 which isthreaded. A base 84 of the inner flange 80 projects radially outward adistance sufficient to receive the isolation layer 74 and a portion ofthe outer collar flange 86. The isolation layer 74 is formed as aplurality of O-rings, each of which has a diameter just sufficient toextend over the inner collar flange 80. Optionally, the isolation layer74 may represent one or more solid layers separated by voids asdiscussed in the previous embodiments.

The L-shaped inner collar flange 80 threadably receives an O-ring keeper88 about its outer portion to retain the isolation layer 74 and theouter collar flange 86 thereon. The outer collar flange 86 includes aL-shaped base 90 and a threaded upper portion 92. The outer collarflange 86 receives the outer collar 76 and a collar keeper ring 94. Theouter collar 76 is slidably received upon an outer periphery of theouter collar flange 86 and is retained in an operating position bysecuring the collar keeper ring 94 thereon. Optionally, the abuttingsurfaces of the inner flange base 84, outer flange base 90 and keeper 88may include resilient layers. Optionally, base 90 may be welded toflange 86.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment in which the isolation layer 100is formed with a Z-shaped cross-section having a body 102 which extendsin a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the blade.The core includes inner and outer collars 110 and 108, having inner andouter collar flanges 105 and 107, respectively, that extend in a radialdirection perpendicular to the rotational axis. The body 102 of theisolation layer 100 is formed integrally with upper and lower resilienttips 104 and 106 which project in opposite directions to isolateentirely the outer collar 108 from the inner collar 110. The resilienttips 104 and 106 are flared nearest the outer surfaces of the bladesfront and back faces. The isolation layer 100 provides an interfacingsurface having a width W_(int) which extends the entire length of thebody 102 and inner and outer flanges 105 and 107. The width W_(int) ofthe interfacing surface must satisfy the same parameters as the widthW_(f) of the isolation layers 14, 22, 66 and 74 in each previousembodiment. Namely, the width W_(int) of the interfacing surface must besufficient to achieve the above-noted object. Optionally, the innercollar 110 may be threadably secured to the central core 111 via threads112.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment, substantially resemblingthat of FIG. 7, except that the outer collar 120 is secured to the innercollar 122 through an S-shaped isolation layer 124 having equalthickness throughout. The isolation layer 124 satisfies the samerequirements as that of FIG. 7.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a separate vibration dampening coupler 36is formed to releasably receive the saw blade 1. The vibration dampeningcoupler 36 is formed as a circular disk which is received directlyagainst an end of the arbor shaft 10. The outer periphery of thevibration dampening coupler 36 includes a recessed groove 38 locatedbetween front and back ridges 44 and 42, respectively. The groove 38receives a resilient isolation ring 40, such as a rubber O-ring. Thediameter of the front ridge 44 is less than that of the back ridge 42. Afront face 46 of the dampening coupler 36 includes a centrally recessedarea 47.

An outer collar 48 represents the substantial majority of the core ofthe saw blade. The outer collar 48 includes an inner perimeter with anarrow inner race 50 centrally located thereon between front and backouter races 56 and 57. When installed, the blade is secured between aback flange 8 and a washer 54 and locking nut 52 which is threadablyfastened to the arbor shaft 10. The back outer race 57 of the outercollar 48 is located proximate, but not in contact with the back ridge42 of the coupler 36, while the inner race 50 abuts against theisolation ring 40. The front outer race 56 is located proximate, but notin contact with the front ridge 44. The inner surface of the washer 54includes a ridged and recessed pattern therein to correspond with thecontour of the front face of the coupler 36 and collar 48.

Once securely fastened together, an air gap is formed between the innersurface of the front outer race 56 and the outer surface of theprojection 59 on the washer 54. An air gap is also formed between theinner surface of the back outer race 57 and the outer surface of theback ridge 42. In this manner, the isolation ring 40 is required only toprovide radial support against the radial forces R_(f). Thus, theisolation layer 40 need not be as wide as in the previous embodiments.The washer 54 and the flange 8 laterally support the outer collar 48against lateral forces L_(f), while the washer 54, flange 8 and pin 6resist the cutting torque C_(T). The pin 6 is slightly smaller than itsreceiving hole in the outer collar 48 to allow radial forces to bedirected onto the isolation layer 40.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate alternative embodiments, in which the cuttingblade 150 is formed to effect core drilling, such as to cut holes inwalls for pipe, conduit and the like. In FIG. 10A, the cutting blade 150is formed with a barrel-shaped outer collar 152 having a longitudinalaxis parallel to the rotating axis of the arbor shaft 154. The outercollar 152 includes an outer end having a diamond embedded outer rim 156thereon. The blade 150 further includes a tubular base 158 threadablyreceived upon the arbor shaft 154 and extending in a direction parallelto the rotating direction of the arbor shaft 154. An inner flange 160 issecured to, and located about a circumference of the base 158. The innerflange 160 is located a distance D_(t) away from outer end 162 of thebase 158.

The inner flange 160 receives an isolation layer 164 on an outer facethereof. The isolation layer 164 receives an outer barrel flange 166 onits outer face. The outer barrel flange 166 includes a rectangular notch168 about its perimeter and bordering its outer face 170. Therectangular notch 168 securely receives a tail end 172 of the outercollar 152. The inner and outer flanges 160 and 166 have a width W_(d)sufficient to support the outer rim 156 during a cutting operation asexplained above. The W_(d) may differ from the width W_(f) of the innerand outer flanges in the above discussed embodiments due to the varyingconfiguration of the barrel shaped blade 150. The isolation layer 164may be constructed in any of the above manners so long as it is able tosupport the outer rim 156 against the forces discussed above.Optionally, a secondary isolation layer (not shown) may be added withinthe rectangular notch 168 between the outer flange 166 and the outercollar 152. Also, a secondary isolation layer 165 may be added betweenthe inner circumference 174 and the leading region 176 of the peripheryof the base 158 to further prevent impact loads.

During operation, the outer rim 156 experiences forces parallel andperpendicular to the rotational axis thereof. The isolation layers 164and 165 operate in the manner described above to prevent impact loadsupon the outer rim 156.

FIGS. 10B and 10C illustrate alternative configurations for theisolation layer within the cutting blade 150. In FIG. 10B, an isolationlayer 180 is substituted for the isolation layers 164 and 165 of FIG.10A. The isolation layer 180 substantially resembles that of FIG. 8, andincludes an S-shaped cross-section having equal thickness throughout.The isolation layer 180 completely separates inner and outer barrelsections 182 and 184. The inner barrel section 182 is secured directlyto the inner flange 186.

FIG. 10C illustrates another embodiment in which an isolation layer 190is formed with a Z-shaped cross-section to separate inner and outercollar sections 192 and 193. The isolation layer 190 has a body 191which extends about the collars and about the rotational axis of theblade. The inner and outer collars 192 and 193 have inner and outercollar flanges 194 and 195, respectively, that extend in a directionparallel to the rotational axis. The body 191 of the isolation layer 190is formed integrally with upper and lower resilient tips 196 and 197which project in opposite directions to isolate entirely the outercollar 193 from the inner collar 192. The resilient tips 196 and 193 areflared nearest the outer surfaces of the blades front and back faces.The isolation layer 190 provides an interfacing surface having a widthW_(int) which extends the entire length of the body 191 and inner andouter flanges 196 and 197. The width W_(int) of the interfacing surfacemust satisfy the same parameters as the width W_(d) of the isolationlayers 164 and 165 in the embodiment of FIG. 10A. Optionally, the innercollar 192 may be threadably secured to the base 158 and the centralcore 198 via threads 199.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a router tool used to bore holes such as byinserting the router tip into a pre-existing crack or hole. By way ofexample, router tools may be used to widen cracks in asphalt for sealingpurposes. The router system 200 includes a router tool 202 formed with ahollow tubular rigid core 204 having diamond segments 206 securelyfastened to the outer surface thereof. The diamond segments 206 may beformed from polycrystalline diamonds, diamond impregnated segments,electroplated diamonds and the like. The diamond section 206 may beformed from multiple diamond segments uniformly spaced about theperimeter of the tubular core 204, with the diamond sections 206extending along a length of the core 204. Alternatively, the diamondsection 206 may be constructed as a unitary complete shell covering theouter periphery of the core 204 including the outer tip. The tubularcore tool 204 includes a flange/rank 208 formed on a lower end thereof.The rank 208 includes a grooved recess 210 about its periphery.

The router system 200 further includes a router arbor shaft which issecured to and rotated by a motor (not shown) about its longitudinalaxis. The arbor shaft 220 includes an outermost section 224 which isformed with a diameter smaller than that of the major portion of thearbor shaft 220. The outermost section 224 includes an isolation layer226, such as rubber and the like, laminated thereto. The isolation layer226 extends along the entire length of the reduced diameter outermostsection 224 and along the adjoining face 228 of the main section of thearbor shaft 220. Located slightly behind the adjoining face 228 of thearbor shaft 220 is a grooved recess 230 which extends about theperiphery of the arbor shaft 220. During operation, the outermostsection 224 of the arbor shaft 220 is slidably received within thehollow core 212 of the mounting tube 204 until the outer surface of theflange 208 abuts against the portion of the isolation layer 226proximate the adjoining face 228. Once in this position, a retainingclamp 232 is installed. The retaining clamp 232 may be constructed in ahalf-moon shape having a curved surface which substantially correspondsto the outer curvature of the arbor shaft 220. The retaining clamp isconstructed with a U-shaped cross-section such that outermost tips 233and 234 thereof are received within the retaining recesses 210 and 230.In this manner, the retaining clamp securely fastens the mounting tube204 to the arbor shaft 220. A mounting screw 236 passes through a holewithin the retaining clamp 232 and is threadably received within a hole238 in the arbor shaft 220. Once installed, the isolation layer 226completely isolates the router tool 202 from the arbor shaft 220.

Alternatively, the router tool 202 may be constructed such that thediamond section 206 forms a cone shape over the outer tip of the routertool 202. In this manner, the diamond section 206 may be used to cut ordrill a hole into a desired material.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate side and end sectional views of a chainsawlink 300 which may be constructed according to the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, a chainsaw link 300 includes a main body 302with holes 304 and 306 extending therethrough to receive pins used tosecure the link 300 to the chain. Turning to FIG. 14, the main body 302is formed with a H-shaped cross-section wherein a diamond embeddedcutting section 308 is secured within the upper half of the main body.The diamond section 308 may be secured to the main body 302 in aplurality of ways, such as with a bolt 310 or through adhesion bondingand the like. An isolation layer 312 is constructed in a substantially Ushape to line the upper half of the main body 302. The isolation layer312 completely separates the diamond section 308 from the maincross-section 314 of the main body 302. The diamond section 308 isconstructed with a T-shaped cross-section with the base of the Tcross-section extending into the upper channel of the main body 302. Thediamond section 308 and the isolation layer 312 are constructed suchthat outer flanges 318 are raised above the outer rims 316 of the mainbody 302. An air gap 320 is provided between the outer rims 316 and theouter flanges 318. To prevent contact therebetween during operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the isolation layer 312 includes a backsection 321 which extends laterally upward from the cross-section 314along the back end of the diamond section 308. The back section 321 ofthe isolation layer 312 functions to isolate the diamond section 308from a back support 322 constructed within the main body of the link302. The back support 322 and back isolation section 321 help resistlateral shearing forces exerted upon the diamond section 308 duringoperation.

During operation, the diamond section 308 experiences shearing andcutting forces along multiple directions including parallel andperpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending along the length of themain body 302. The isolation layer 312 functions to absorb each of theseforces within the isolation layer portions below the diamond section,along each side of the diamond section and along the back end of thediamond section.

FIG. 15 illustrates a grinding tool which includes an arbor shaft 400rotating along a longitudinal axis. Proximate its outer end, the arborshaft 400 includes a circular flange 404 extending about its perimeterand having a front face 405 separating the main section of the arborshaft 400 from an outer axial portion 406 thereof. The axial portion 406is formed with a diameter slightly less than that of the main arborshaft 400. An isolation layer 408 is formed about the perimeter of theaxial portion 406 and along the front face 405 of the arbor shaft 400. Adiamond embedded grinding tool 410 includes a hole through a centerthereof to receive the isolation layer 408. A bolt 412 is threadablyreceived within the end of the axial portion 406 of the arbor shaft 400to securely retain the grinding tool 410 in a working position. Onceinstalled, the grinding tool 410 is completely isolated, through theisolation layer 408, from the arbor shaft 400.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate diamond profiling wheels 500 and 502. Eachdiamond profiling wheel includes an inner core 504 which is securelyfastened to the arbor shaft of a motor (not shown) and rotated about thelongitudinal axis. The outer periphery of the inner core 504 includes aninner flange 508 which projects laterally outward in opposite directionsfrom the inner core 504. The inner flange 508 receives an isolationlayer 510 about its outer periphery. The cutting segment 512 is locatedupon the outer periphery of the isolation layer 510 and constructed withan outer contour as desired. The cutting segment may be formed with ametal core electroplated with diamond embedded regions about its outersurface. Alternatively, the entire cutting segment 512 may beconstructed from the diamond embedded material and ground to a desiredcontour. The diamond segment may be formed from polycrystalline diamondsand the like. The diamond segment may be resin bonded to the isolationlayer 510 or the cutting segment 512. As illustrated in FIGS. 16A and16B, the isolation layer is located proximate the profile segment 512.However, optionally, the isolation layer may be located remotely fromthe profiling segment 512, such as in FIGS. 2-9.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which isolation layersmay be separately disposed within each of a plurality of diamondsegments securely fastened to the blade core. As illustrated in FIG. 17,a core segment 600 receives a diamond embedded segment 602 upon itsouter periphery. A plurality of similar diamond embedded segments 602may be arranged about the periphery of the core 600 with minor spacingstherebetween. The diamond embedded segment 602 includes a diamondsegment 604 located on its outermost periphery and, as illustrated,constructed with a T-shaped cross-section. The diamond section 604 issecurely received upon a steel interface 606 which is also formed in a Tshape. The diamond section 604 and the interface 606 are arrangedproximate one another such that the top surfaces of each T sectionadjoin with one another. An inner periphery of the interface 606 issecurely bonded to an isolation layer 608. The isolation layer includessegments immediately adjacent opposite cross arms of the T-shapedinterface 606 and immediately adjacent the lower surface of the base ofthe interface 606.

The isolation layer 608 is received upon an inner collar flange 610. Theinner collar flange 610 is formed with an upper portion 612 having arectangular cross-section extending in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of rotation. The upper portion 612 includes a recessednotch 614 extending about the outer periphery of the flange 610 andaligned in a direction which substantially traces the outer periphery ofthe core 600. The isolation layer includes outermost portions securelyfastened to the outer periphery of this upper section 612 of the flange610. The isolation layer 608 further includes a lower portion securelyfastened within the base of the notch 614. The notch 614 is constructedto receive a base of the T-shaped interface 606. The inner collar flange610 further includes a lower section 616 comprised of support limbs 618extending radially inward of the diamond segment 602. The supportmembers 618 are located apart from one another to form a groove 620therebetween having a width substantially equal to that of the core 600.

During operation, each diamond segment 602 is aligned with the core 600such that an outer periphery of the core is received within the grooves620. Thereafter, the outer periphery of the core 600 is securely fixedto the support members 618. A plurality of similar diamond embeddedsegments 602 are arranged about the periphery of the core to provide acutting blade.

The segmented blade of FIG. 17 may be modified, such that the innercollar flange 610 is formed integrally with the core 600. In thisembodiment, the inner collar flange 610 need not include support members618. Also, the inner collar flange 616 need not include the notch 614located along its centerline. Instead, the inner collar flange mayinclude a smooth outer face which receives a single isolation layer 608.The isolation layer may be directly bonded to the diamond section 604 oralternatively, an interface 606 may be provided between the isolationlayer 608 and the diamond section 604. The interface layer 606 need notbe constructed in a T-shaped cross-section, but instead may be formedwith a rectangular cross-section.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment in which a blade shaft collar ismodified to include an isolation layer while still being operable withconventional diamond embedded blades or diamond wheels and the like. InFIG. 18, the shaft collar 1800 includes inner and outer collar flanges1802 and 1804 separated from one another with an isolation layer 1806.The inner collar flange 1802 includes a hole through its center forreceiving a nut 1808 to retain the collar 1800 securely against thearbor shaft 1810. The outer collar flange 1804 is shaped substantiallysimilar to the outer collar flanges 68 and 86 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Theouter collar flange 1804 receives an outer collar 1812 of a conventionalblade. A keeper 1814 is threadably secured upon the outer collar flange1804 to retain the blade securely thereon. The inner and outer collarflanges 1802 and 1804, and the isolation layer 1806 have a width W_(f)corresponding to the width W_(f) in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 forreasons explained above.

A variety of configurations may be used for the isolation layer,including those disclosed above, but not limited thereto, so long as theisolation layer prevents a radial metal-to-metal impact between theinner and outer collars. For instance, the O-rings may be changed tosubstitute harder or softer O-rings, thereby providing a stiffer or lessstiff isolation layer. In addition, the isolation plugs 30 of FIG. 3 maybe formed of different hardnesses (such as 20, 60, and 80 durometers).Intermingling hard and soft isolation plugs will desirably effect theharmonics. Also, the isolation layer having the void 22 therein maypartially be filled with a liquid, such as Mercury, to function as abalancing liquid. When the blade begins to spin, the liquid within thevoid evenly distributes itself throughout the void about thecircumference of the inner collar. Alternatively, the void may beentirely filled with liquid to change the pressure ratio therein,thereby increasing the stiffness of the isolation layer. The void couldbe surrounded by the isolation layer and vulcanized to the inner andouter collar flanges.

It is desirable to adjust the stiffness from the isolation layer basedupon the material to be cut, such as fire retardant materials or softmaterial. The liquid within the void may be oil to act as a heatdissipator. By using an isolation layer, the instant invention is ableto drop the noise level by 4-5 decibels, such as when outputting 105-115decibels. Further, by including an isolation layer, a substantialportion of the core may be made of aluminum and the like, while theouter portion of the core is formed from steel.

Moreover, the isolation layer need not be a continuous ring about thecircumference of the inner collar flange, instead, the isolation layermay be a series of discreet segments so long as these segments satisfythe above discussed parameters.

The above-discussed inventions have exhibited unexpected results by wayof lengthening the life of a diamond embedded cutting wheel by up tothree times the normal life expectancy.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth togetherwith the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent tothe structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting blade comprising:a disk shaped corehaving inner and outer collars adapted for driving said core about arotational axis during a cut; a circular outer rim, received upon anoutermost periphery of said outer collar, for executing a cut upon acutting surface of a material, said outer rim including embeddedhardened particles that project from an outer periphery of said outerrim to bring about said cut, said outer rim having a thickness in adirection parallel to said rotational axis; a resilient isolation layer,formed between said inner and outer collars of said core, for preventingimpact loads between said particles in said outer rim and said cuttingsurface, said isolation layer having interfacing surfaces on oppositesides thereof which receive said inner and outer collars, saidinterfacing surfaces having a width that is greater than said thicknessof said outer rim to support said outer rim during a cut.
 2. A cuttingblade according to claim 1, wherein said inner collar includes an innerflange located about its outer periphery and wherein said outer collarincludes an outer flange located about its inner periphery, said innerand outer flanges having a width equal to that of said isolation layerand greater than said thickness of said outer rim.
 3. A cutting bladeaccording to claim 2, wherein said inner and outer flanges projectoutward away from said core in opposite directions parallel to saidrotational axis.
 4. A cutting blade according to claim 1, wherein saidinner collar includes an inner flange located about its outer peripheryand wherein said outer collar includes an outer L-shaped flange locatedabout its inner periphery, said outer L-shaped flange having a back sidewhich forms said interfacing surface with said isolation layer andhaving a base which receives said outer collar of said core thereon,said inner and outer flanges having a width equal to that of saidisolation layer and greater than said thickness of said outer rim.
 5. Acutting blade according to claim 4, wherein said outer collar of saidcore is press fitted onto said L-shaped outer flange.
 6. A cutting bladeaccording to claim 4, wherein said outer flange includes threads on oneside thereof and wherein said outer collar of said core is slidablyreceived upon said outer flange and secured thereto with a keeper thatis threaded onto said outer flange.
 7. A cutting blade comprising:a diskshaped core having inner and outer collars adapted for driving said coreabout a rotational axis during a cut; a circular outer rim, receivedupon an outermost periphery of said outer collar, for executing a cutupon a cutting surface of a material, said outer rim including embeddedhardened particles that project from an outer periphery of said outerrim to bring about said cut, said outer rim having a thickness indirection parallel to said rotational axis; wherein said inner collarincludes an inner flange located about its outer periphery and saidouter collar includes an outer flange located about its inner periphery,said inner and outer flanges project radially along said core,substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular tosaid rotational axis, to span a radial interface distance greater thansaid thickness of said outer rim; and a resilient isolation layer,former between said inner and outer collars of said core, for preventingimpact loads between said particles in said outer rim and said cuttingsurface, said isolation layer having interfacing surfaces on oppositesides thereof which engage said inner and outer flanges to substantiallyspan said radial interface distance greater than said thickness of saidouter rim to support said outer rim during a cut.
 8. A cutting bladeaccording to claim 7, wherein said isolation layer is formed with across-section having a body aligned in a radial direction along saidcore and extending in a diagonal direction between front and back facesof said core.
 9. A cutting blade according to claim 7, wherein saidisolation layer is formed with a Z-shaped cross-section and includesflared upper and lower resilient tips projecting in opposite directionstoward outer surfaces of said core, and a body extending between saidflared upper and lower tips in a radial direction, said body and upperand lower tips forming said interfacing surface.
 10. A cutting bladeaccording to claim 7, wherein said isolation layer is formed with aS-shaped cross-section.
 11. A cutting blade according to claim 1,wherein said isolation layer and said inner and outer flanges areremotely located from said outer rim by formed said outer collar with aheight, constituting a radial distance between said outer rim and a baseof said outer flange, said outer height of said collar equalling adeepest cut to be effected by said blade.
 12. A cutting blade accordingto claim 1, wherein said inner and outer collars have a thickness lessthan said width of said interfacing surface and less than said thicknessof said outer rim.
 13. A cutting blade according to claim 1, whereinsaid inner collar is formed of a first material and said outer collar isformed of a second material.
 14. A cutting blade according to claim 1,wherein said isolation layer represents one integral layer receivedbetween said inner and outer collars.
 15. A cutting blade according toclaim 1, wherein said isolation layer is formed of a plurality ofO-rings received upon an outer periphery of said inner collar, saidO-rings being replaceable to adjust a stiffness of said isolation layer.16. A cutting blade according to claim 15, wherein said inner collarincludes an inner flange upon its outer periphery, said inner flangereceiving said O-rings, said inner collar including a threaded keeper toretain said O-rings and said outer collar upon said inner flange.
 17. Acutting blade according to claim 1, wherein said isolation layer isformed with at least two separate sections received about a periphery ofsaid inner collar, said separate sections having a void therebetweencircling said inner collar.
 18. A cutting blade according to claim 17,wherein said void includes pressurized gas which controls a stiffness ofsaid isolation layer.
 19. A cutting blade according to claim 17, whereinsaid void is partially filled with liquid to balance said blade duringcutting.
 20. A cutting blade according to claim 17, wherein said void iscompletely filled with liquid to control a stiffness of said isolationlayer and to serve as a heat dissipator.
 21. A cutting blade accordingto claim 1, wherein said inner collar is loosely received within saidouter collar to form a circular air gap therebetween, said isolationlayer includes a plurality of resilient plugs inserted between saidinner and outer collars and at discrete points along said air gap.
 22. Acutting blade according to claim 21, wherein said inner and outercollars includes equal pluralities of half-moon shaped recesses whichalign to receive said resilient plugs.
 23. A cutting blade according toclaim 21, wherein said resilient plugs are tubular in shape with ahollowed out core, said hollowed out cores receiving hardened coreinserts.
 24. A cutting blade according to claim 21, wherein saidresilient plugs are replaceable to change a stiffness of said isolationlayer and to balance said blade.
 25. A cutting blade according to claim1, wherein said isolation layer is located proximate the radial centerof said blade, substantially midway between said rotational axis andsaid outer rim.
 26. A vibration dampening coupler assembly for securinga cutting blade to an arbor drive shaft, said cutting blade having adisk shaped blade core with an inner periphery adapted to be secured tosaid coupler and having a circular outer rim, received upon an outermostperiphery of said core, for executing a cut upon a cutting surface of amaterial, said outer rim including embedded hardened particles thatproject from an outer periphery of said outer rim to bring about saidcut, said inner periphery of said blade core including an inner raceprojecting inward beyond, and located between, front and back outerraces, said coupler comprising:a disk shaped body with a hole thereinfor being threadably secured to said arbor shaft, a periphery of saidbody including a recessed groove located between front and back ridges,and a resilient isolation layer, received within said recessed groove,for preventing impact loads between said particles in said outer rim andsaid cutting surface, said isolation layer having an interfacing surfaceon its outer side which receives and supports said inner race of saidcore of said blade, such that an air gap is formed between said frontand back outer races of said blade core and corresponding front and backridges of said coupler.
 27. A vibration dampening coupler according toclaim 26, further comprising a washer secured to a front of said couplerand said blade core through a bolt to support said cutting blade.
 28. Avibration dampening coupler according to claim 26, wherein saidresilient isolation layer is formed integral with said arbor shaft.